What is the difference between a trademark and a copyright?

A trademark protects brand identifiers — names, logos, slogans, packaging — used in commerce. A copyright protects original creative works — writing, music, art, photography, software. We prepare documents for both; they are separate registrations with different agencies.

How much does it cost to file a federal trademark?

Our service fee starts at $599 for a single class. The USPTO filing fee is $350 per class for a TEAS Plus / Base application (current fee schedule). Each additional class adds $175 service + USPTO per-class fee. Comprehensive search add-on is +$250.

Should I do a trademark search before filing?

Yes — strongly recommended. A search reduces the risk of office actions and refusals based on conflicting marks. Our search report covers the federal USPTO database, state registers, and common-law usage indicators.

How long does federal trademark registration take?

Document preparation: 5–7 business days. USPTO examination typically takes 8–12 months from filing to registration when there are no office actions. Office actions or oppositions extend the timeline.

What is a copyright and do I need to register it?

Copyright protection exists automatically once a work is fixed in tangible form. However, federal registration with the U.S. Copyright Office is required to file an infringement lawsuit and entitles you to statutory damages and attorney's fees if registered timely.

How much does copyright registration cost?

Our preparation fee starts at $299. U.S. Copyright Office filing fees are typically $45 (single author, single work) to $65 (standard application). We provide deposit-copy and classification guidance.

What is a cease and desist letter and when do I need one?

A C&D letter formally notifies an infringer to stop using your trademark or copyrighted work. It often resolves disputes without litigation. We prepare a customized C&D referencing your registration, the infringing use, and a deadline to comply.

Do you prepare LLC or business documents alongside the trademark?

Yes. Many small-business owners pair a Michigan LLC formation with their trademark filing. See our Business Formation services and ask about combined intake.

What if my trademark application receives an office action?

Office actions (refusals or required clarifications) often involve substantive trademark law and are best handled by a licensed trademark attorney. We do not respond to office actions; we can refer you to attorneys who do.

Can I file an international trademark through you?

We focus on USPTO trademark filings. International filings (Madrid Protocol or country-by-country) require coordination with foreign counsel and are outside our standard scope.

Are you trademark attorneys?

No. Clear Path Document Services is not a law firm and we are not registered USPTO practitioners. We prepare and submit applications at your direction. For legal advice on IP strategy, infringement, or oppositions, consult a licensed intellectual property attorney.

Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property Document Preparation

Protect your brand, creative works, and intellectual property with professionally prepared registration documents.

Important: Clear Path Document Services is a document preparation and filing-assistance service — not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, attorney representation, or create attorney-client relationships. All documents are prepared based on information you provide for educational and administrative purposes.Read full disclaimer.

Transparent flat-rate pricing
Trademark applications in 5–7 business days
USPTO & U.S. Copyright Office formatted filings
Step-by-step USPTO TEAS / Copyright eCO filing guidance

Our IP Services

From trademark applications to copyright registrations, we prepare all the documents you need to protect your intellectual property.

Trademark Filing

Protect your brand with a federal trademark registration application.

Starting at $599 + USPTO fees 5-7 business days

Trademark application (TEAS)
Specimen preparation guidance
Goods/services classification
Filing instructions
Status monitoring guidance

Trademark Search Report

Preliminary trademark search to identify potential conflicts before filing.

Starting at $249 3-5 business days

Federal trademark database search
State trademark search
Common law search summary
Conflict analysis report
Filing recommendations

Copyright Registration

Starting at $299 + filing fees 3-5 business days

Copyright application preparation
Deposit copy guidance
Classification assistance
Filing instructions
Registration tracking guidance

Cease & Desist (IP Infringement)

Customized cease and desist letter for trademark or copyright infringement.

Starting at $199 2-3 business days

Infringement analysis documentation
Customized C&D letter
Certified mail instructions
Follow-up letter template

Transparent Pricing

Trademark Filing Pricing

Pricing scales based on the number of trademark classes and research complexity.

Trademark Filing Cost Breakdown

Base Trademark Filing (1 class)$599 service fee + USPTO filing fee

Each Additional Class+$175 service fee + USPTO per-class fee

Comprehensive Search Add-On+$250

Rush Processing+35% to +100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Protect Your Intellectual Property?

Quick Answer

What intellectual property document preparation services are available in Michigan?

ClearPath Document Services prepares trademark applications, copyright registration documents, cease-and-desist letters, and trademark search reports for Michigan businesses and creators. We are a document preparation service — not a law firm — and serve clients statewide from Marysville, Michigan.